How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Montana in 2026
Montana does not currently provide an online system for canceling vehicle registration. Vehicle owners must process registration cancellations through their county treasurer's office, the state's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in person, or by submitting the necessary documentation through the mail.
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division establishes statewide registration policies, while county treasurers serve as the designated agents who handle registration transactions and cancellation requests for Montana residents.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Vehicle owners may need to cancel their Montana registration under the following circumstances:
- Completing the sale of your vehicle to a private buyer or dealership
- Donating your vehicle to a nonprofit organization or an individual
- Establishing residency in another state and registering the vehicle there
- Returning a leased vehicle to the leasing company at the end of the lease term
- Delivering your vehicle to a salvage yard or recycling facility
- Receiving an insurance settlement declaring your vehicle a total loss
- Filing a stolen vehicle report when the vehicle has not been recovered
- Placing your vehicle in extended storage without maintaining insurance coverage
- Transferring vehicle ownership through probate or estate administration
- Removing the vehicle from operational use permanently
In-Person Cancellation at County Treasurer's Office
The standard procedure for canceling vehicle registration requires visiting your county treasurer's office to complete the transaction with a designated county official.
Required Actions:
- Bring valid government-issued photo identification
- Surrender your current vehicle registration certificate
- Return both license plates to the county treasurer
- Fill out cancellation documentation as directed by office staff
- Collect a receipt verifying completion of the cancellation
Mail-In Cancellation Processing
Montana permits vehicle registration cancellation through postal mail for residents who prefer this method or cannot visit the county treasurer during office hours.
Required Actions:
- Draft a letter requesting cancellation that includes your vehicle identification number, license plate number, and explanation for cancellation
- Supply your complete legal name, current mailing address, and contact telephone number
- Attach your existing vehicle registration certificate
- Securely package and include both license plates
- Send all materials to your county treasurer's office address
- Request written confirmation that your cancellation has been processed
Petition for Refund of Registration Fees
Refunds in Montana are only considered under narrow circumstances and typically only if the event, such as a sale, occurred before the new registration period began or within a limited window after an erroneous renewal.
Refund Eligibility
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division reviews refund applications under these circumstances:
- Registration fees paid beyond the correct amount due to errors
- Fees paid multiple times for the same registration period
- Unused registration time remaining after cancellation
- Other situations involving improper fee assessment or collection
- The vehicle was sold, traded in, or junked before the new registration payment was made and before the current registration expiration date
- The vehicle was totaled in an accident before the new registration payment was made and before the current registration expiration date
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Complete Registration Cancellation
Begin by canceling your vehicle registration through your county treasurer's office using either the in-person or mail-in method described above. Your registration must be officially canceled in the state system before any refund application can be processed.
Step 2: Prepare and Submit Refund Request
Contact your county treasurer's office to obtain guidance on refund application procedures. Submit documentation supporting your refund claim:
- Both license plates, if not already surrendered during cancellation
- Copy of your registration cancellation receipt
- Original registration receipt showing the fees you paid
- Written statement describing why you qualify for a refund
- Documentation of any errors or duplicate payments, if applicable
- Filled out Request for Refund (Form 40-2300)
Step 3: County and State Review
Your county treasurer's office examines the refund request for completeness and accuracy before forwarding approved applications to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division. The Division evaluates each application under applicable Montana statutes and processes approved refunds by issuing payment to eligible applicants.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Montana vehicle registration cancellation procedures operate under state statutory provisions:
- Montana Code Annotated Section 61-3-321 establishes vehicle registration requirements and fee structures
Government Agencies
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Scott Hart Building, 302 North Roberts St., Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-3933
Official Website: Montana Motor Vehicle Division
County Treasurer Offices
Montana's 56 counties each operate a treasurer's office that processes vehicle registration cancellations and related motor vehicle services. County treasurers function as agents of the state for all motor vehicle transactions. The following offices serve Montana's most populous communities:
Yellowstone County Treasurer
217 North 27th Street, Room 203, Billings, MT 59101
Phone: (406) 256-2802
Official Website: Yellowstone County Treasurer
Missoula County Treasurer
200 West Broadway Street, Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 258-4747
Official Website: Missoula County Treasurer
Gallatin County Treasurer
311 West Main Street, Suite 303, Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: (406) 582-3080
Official Website: Gallatin County Treasurer
Flathead County Treasurer
290 A North Main, Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5680
Official Website: Flathead County Treasurer
Cascade County Treasurer
121 4th Street North, Great Falls, MT 59401
Phone: (406) 454-6860
Official Website: Cascade County Treasurer
Lewis and Clark County Treasurer
316 North Park Avenue, Room 160, Helena, MT 59623
Phone: (406) 447-8328
Official Website: Lewis and Clark County Treasurer
Ravalli County Treasurer
215 South 4th Street, Suite D, Hamilton, MT 59840
Phone: (406) 375-6585
Official Website: Ravalli County Treasurer
Silver Bow County Treasurer
155 West Granite Street, Room 206, Butte, MT 59701
Phone: (406) 497-6310
Official Website: Silver Bow County Treasurer
Lake County Treasurer
106 4th Avenue East, Polson, MT 59860
Phone: (406) 883-7222
Official Website: Lake County Treasurer
Lincoln County Treasurer
512 California Avenue, Libby, MT 59923
Phone: (406) 283-2400
Official Website: Lincoln County Treasurer
